What can you do with nine types of wood?

by Kathy Sabo October 25, 2022

Back in high school many moons ago, I was super lucky to have a crew of great girlfriends. These girls all had parents that were involved in their kids’ lives and made a point to get to know their children’s friends. This crew of girls finished high school and continued to hang out into university, bonds that we will forever be grateful for.

When I was attending the U of R and taking courses in Business Administration I had a job at Canada Life entering in dental claims. This afforded me the luxury of living on my own with a few friends. One of these friends was a girlfriend from high school. Her Dad had helped his daughter out with getting a house she could rent out.

I remember being so excited to get in there and start my life on my own! It was the perfect platform to transition into an ‘adult’ as we had our freedom, but with a handy dad who could fix up the house when needed. I remember when he built the most incredible bathroom vanity, the whole kitchen, and pieces of furniture…. He was talented and it was just a “little” hobby. Fast forward twenty years and the roommates are no longer living together, but this Dad’s hobby has turned into something more.

A year ago, when QCGifts.ca opened, my old roommate let me know her Dad, Rod Nernberg, was doing something incredible with his old hobby. She sent pictures of some of the work he was doing now, and it took my breath away. The skills used years ago in that kitchen and bathroom on Walden Crescent, were now showcased in his chessboards, coasters, and cutting boards. I knew our customers would love these, so I reached out to him.

Rod made his first cutting board for himself back in 2015. While cutting some meat on a warped plastic cutting board, he became frustrated, so he decided to build a better-quality end grain board. He was motivated and since he was now retired, he had time on his side. wood products

Rod says,

“I started woodworking partly because of economics and I also enjoy working with my hands designing things.”

His past work in construction along with YouTube pointed him in the right direction.

When you talk to Rod about wood, you know this is his thing. When he makes a cutting board, you would think there are a couple of kinds of wood used so you can make a pattern. Well, Rod uses a combination of Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Paduk (redwood) Purple Heart, Wenge, Paccolli, Ash, Oak, and Birch- that is nine types of wood. Just a few… and the results are truly stunning.

Rod has been a huge help to QCGifts.ca! In addition to making beautiful, handcrafted products, he has helped us immensely by making our displays. All we had to do was show a picture of what was wanted and a few days later he not only had it made but had it at my front door with a big smile. We will be forever grateful to Rod for his support and look forward to our next collaboration with him.